Abstract:
Genesis and transformation law of historic novels have been researchers’
subjects of interest for a long time. It is very important to discuss the
formalists’ standpoint towards historic novels. One of the most prominent representatives of the formalist school, Yuri Tynyanov wrote the historic
novel “The Death of Vazir-Mukhtar”, which was published in 1928. According
to K. Chukovsky, “his (Tynyanov’s) knowledge was exceptional. He knew the
eighteenth and nineteenth centuries as if he lived during this epoch.”
According to Tynyanov, the writer who writes historic novels must learn
historic documents completely and must grasp the life of the hero thoroughly.
In 1933, one of the most prominent representatives of the formalist
school, Victor Shklovsky, published the article “About Historic Novel and
Yuri Tynyanov”. There are a few important details in the article, which are
linked to the historical reality of Georgia.
It is noteworthy to mention that before writing the article, Shlovsky
travelled in Georgia and his impressions are expressed in different essays.
According to Victor Shlovsky, on the travel map of Vazir-Mukhtar, he recognized
Persia, Russia but not Georgia”. Victor Shlovsky knows well the biography
of Alexander Chavchavadze and notices, that A. Griboedov needed
reliable supporters in Georgia and he chose a strong Chavchavadze family.
The publication of the novel “The Death of Vazir-Mukhtar” was critically
acclaimed in Georgia. Nino Tabidze’s memories are invaluable material for
further research. Shklovsky’s opinions and remarks regarding this novel are
discussed in the paper.